Accessed via a 30-minute boat ride from Providenciales, this 1,000-acre all-inclusive resort on a private island is the definition of tranquility. With an incredible infinity-edge pool, world-renowned COMO Shambhala Spa, waterfront Balinese-style villas, doting service, and more than three miles of pristine beaches, it's easily one of the most luxurious and romantic options in the Caribbean. But hefty price tags put it out of reach for many, and the rare level of privacy comes as the cost of convenience -- a boat commute is required to reach any nightlife or shopping.

If you are looking for a luxury hotel with access to one of the Caribbean's most beautiful beaches, a lively (yet relaxing) pool area, award-winning spa, and a nice selection of on-site activities -- without the zoo-like atmosphere found at some larger resorts -- the 72-condo Regent Palms may be just what the vacation doctor ordered. Located in the Grace Bay area, this is a residential property offers large, sophisticated suites and penthouses with kitchens and luxurious bathrooms. Families will likely appreciate the suites' size (up to three bedrooms) as well as activities such as water sports. The swim-up pool bar, multiple shops, and popular Parallel 23 restaurant attract couples and groups, too.

A sophisticated, modern resort with stunning views, the 53-room Somerset is a cut above most Providenciales properties. The food is overpriced (though excellent) and the property lacks tennis courts, but its two beautiful pools, elegant grounds, top-notch rooms, and pristine beachfront allow it to rival some of the island’s more well-known luxury options like Grace Bay Club and the Gansevoort.

A beachfront condo resort tucked away on the western edge of Grace Bay, the 46-room West Bay Club offers excellent value for a luxury property. High-end rooms ranging from studios to four-bedrooms are airy and stylish, and all but the studios feature large balconies. The relaxing infinity-edge pool, modern gym and small poolside bar and grill add to the hotel's sophisticated yet low-key sensibility.

The Gansevoort is without a doubt the sexiest resort on Grace Bay, and its stunning pool and breeze-filled lobby wow guests from the moment they set foot on the property. Equally enticing are the resort’s gourmet restaurant, poolside and beachside service, sleek rooms, and Exhale Spa, but pricey add-ons for virtually everything can make guests feel nickel-and-dimed.

Location is key at this 52-room luxury condo resort, which is situated directly on Grace Bay and less than a minute's walk from the island’s best shopping and dining sites. Quiet, sophisticated, and pristine, the four-plus-acre property features a jaw-dropping pool, large fitness center, and poolside bar -- but the spacious condo-style suites -- though upscale -- vary in quality of decor, and the lack of an on-site restaurant or spa might deter some travelers.

This luxury boutique is heavy on style and refinement, with British Colonial design and 28 huge multi-room suites (they start at 1,080 square feet) featuring kitchens, terraces, and high-end bathrooms. Property highlights include a lovely, tranquil pool, personal beachfront service, a small but spectacular spa, and one of the Providenciales’ most romantic dinner spots. However, its remote location on the point of the beautiful, 12-mile Grace Bay beach -- while peaceful and quiet -- makes it necessary for guests to rely on expensive taxis or car rentals to explore the island.

With ten pools, a sprawling water park, a shopping center, a spa complex, and more restaurants than you can shake a breadstick at, the family-friendly Beaches is clearly the Turks and Caicos resort with the most features. But many of the rooms -- especially in the old Caribbean Village – are downright dingy, and the romance factor is virtually non-existent. Still, an all-inclusive resort with this many amenities is enticing -- unless it's peace and quiet you’re after.

Opened in 1993, Grace Bay Club is Turks and Caicos’ original luxury benchmark. With essentially three different resorts offering three distinct accommodation styles, this 82-room beachfront property continues to raise the bar with lots of popular dining options, a 5,000-square foot spa, an impressive kids' club, and three pristine infinity-edge pools.

Located at the center of Grace Bay, the 114-room Sands at Grace Bay offers solid, if not spectacular, amenities -- a fitness center, a nice restaurant, two pools, and a long stretch of oceanfront -- at attractive rates. While its pools and lush grounds aren't quite as impressive as those at pricier resorts, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better value, especially when factoring in the generous size of the rooms, almost all of which feature furnished balconies.